Nutrition

While the precise cause of canine idiopathic epilepsy is unknown, the effect in the brain has been documented as a rapid, uncontrolled discharge of neurons within the brain’s cerebral cortex that leads to seizures…

For example, clients with an overweight dog on a recommended exercise plan might think that their dog is active, but can they measure how many minutes per day the dog spends resting versus running or walking?

Understanding the different types of fiber—and when to implement fiber in a nutrition plan for dogs and cats—can be challenging and complicated. In addition, some cats and dogs that present with gastrointestinal conditions can be managed with diets or supplements that contain particular levels and types of fiber.

The type of fatty acids fed to a patient, as well as the total amount of fatty acids in the diet, have the additional potential to improve or impair health. This review discusses basic properties of fatty acids; sources of essential fatty acids; therapeutic modifications of dietary fatty acids, fish oils, and other fatty acid supplements; and areas of caution in clinical practice when supplementing fatty acids.

Nutritional intervention is a cornerstone in the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, a complete nutritional assessment and staging of the patient’s kidney disease are indicated before any dietary recommendations are made.

Dietary protein is one of 3 primary metabolic fuels of the body that, together with fat and carbohydrates, provides cellular energy. Amino acids extracted from dietary proteins are also used by animals to synthesize the functional proteins required for normal physiologic functions…

Valerie J. Parker, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM & ACVN Ohio State University The American College of Veterinary Nutrition (acvn.org) and Today’s Veterinary Practice are delighted to bring you the Nutrition Notes column, which provides the highest quality, cutting edge information on companion animal nutrition, provided by the ACVN’s foremost nutrition specialists. The primary objectives of the …

Justin Shmalberg, DVM, Diplomate ACVN, University of Florida The American College of Veterinary Nutrition (acvn.org) and Today’s Veterinary Practice are delighted to bring you the Nutrition Notes column, which provides the highest quality, cutting edge information on companion animal nutrition, provided by the ACVN’s foremost nutrition specialists. The primary objectives of the ACVN are …